How to build a cleaning business?
Hi Jobber Community! I have been at running my cleaning business for 16 years now. It has been and continue to be a journey. If you could start over again, how would you do it. What would you do differently or the same? By my business coach I have been told many times that I am different. Coming from corporate I had an excellent admin background, which I know for many service based enterpreneurs is a missing skill. So I consider myself lucky in this arena. Other arenas not so much, like building a team, developing my own voice in the industry. One thing I would do differently is I would have hired a business coach so much sooner. I did not know how much I needed one until I had one.Have you ever hit a point in your business where you thought about quitting?
In this episode of Masters of Home Service Doni Jones shares her story of building a $4 million tree care business. Success didn't come without challenges. When her truck was repossessed in the middle of the night, she was ready to give up. But waking up the next morning, decided she needed to take responsibility and get to work. Her decision to keep going became the turning point. You can tune into her full story below: Have you been to the point of giving up? What kept you going? Any tips for others?
The next level...what does it look like?
I am slowly getting to the point where a mental conversation with myself is happening where I am thinking about having a second pair of hands to help me and my business. I have always thought that would look like simply having a full-time employee, but lately I have been thinking about going in a different direction. I have imagined having a partner or a second owner working with me, and we would both just be working to build a business together. Have them own their own vehicle, get their own supplies and generate their own leads. Does this make sense to anyone? Would it be better just to pay someone a salary or hourly and have them work for me? Or would it make sense to have a partner?Increase Revenue - Cross-service Sales
Hey everyone! As many of you already know, it’s much more budget-friendly to market to our current customers than to chase after new ones. So, how can we make the most of our existing clientele? One simple approach is cross-selling! Did you just install a new hot water tank? How about offering an annual maintenance package for the HVAC system to keep everything running smoothly? Mowing lawns? Why not suggest spring and fall aeration, or even re-edge those garden beds! Cleaning houses? Don't forget to mention the window washing for those outdoor panes! Pumping septic? Share that you can install risers with easy-access lids! Just completed a gorgeous landscape? Encourage them to sign up for your maintenance package. Installed new outdoor light fixtures? We can also hang Christmas lights to bring some extra cheer! What are some creative ways you cross-sell your main services?Do Electrical Contractors own a business or job?
A lot of guys say they “work for themselves.” But when I ask who controls their schedule — it’s the customer. When I ask what happens if they take a day off — the work stops. And if they stop answering the phone — the leads disappear. That’s not a business. That’s a job with more pressure. I built this visual because I lived it. The truth is: most contractors don’t own their time, they just own the stress. So I came to the conclusion: If you stop working and your income stops too… You don’t own a business ... you just own your own job. How do you guys feel about that ?How do you Differentiate Yourself from Your Competition?
One of the frequent concerns we all hear from businesses in the service industry is their struggle to attract more customers due to competition from others offering similar services at lower prices. So, if you're a business owner committed to growth, what can you do to navigate this hurdle without resorting to undercutting your prices? First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that if the only thing setting you apart is your price, potential customers will naturally gravitate toward the cheaper option. After all, who would willingly pay more for the same service? The real key to overcoming this pricing challenge is to highlight what makes your products and services unique in the eyes of your potential customers. So, what strategies are you using to draw new clients through your doors?Thinking of selling your business? Here’s how to build a business that’s worth buying
Buyers aren’t just buying your cool brand or logo. They’re buying for profit, strong systems, and a business that can run without you. 👇 Watch the latest Masters of Home Service episode as Forrest Derr and Daniel Dixon share what makes a business sellable 👇 🤔 Question for you: If you’ve thought about selling, what do you think would be the hardest part? Delegating, organizing financials, or stepping back from the business? Never miss an episode of Masters of Home Service. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Can we be real? What do you do on the days/weeks you just want to quit?
Occasionally, I will have days or weeks I just want to give up. I'm 9 years in. I have had a lot of ups and downs. I have learned hard lessons. I have experienced big wins and losses. And every once in a while I feel defeated. I try everything to grow and make my business better and then I find myself taking steps backwards and feeling exhausted over the thoughts of having to build something again. This could be team members leaving that I invested in, money I saved that I now have to spend on repairs, or unexpected losses, and the list goes on. We all have those days we feel like we just don't have what it takes to actually make it. What do you do? How do you keep moving forward? Share some hopeful stories. Share the worst stories and how you overcame. I don't want to hear how you just win all the time. Tell me the stuff that made you sleepless, the stuff that made you cry, and that stuff that you thought you just couldn't rise from. I need some encouragement that even when I think the worst is happening I can still overcome and keep moving forward and win!
